News Reporter
New Delhi, India - Meghalaya, the picturesque northeastern state, has clinched the second runner-up position at the esteemed One District One Product (ODOP) Awards for 2023. The accolade, a testament to Meghalaya's steadfast commitment to the ODOP initiative, aligns with the central government's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, focusing on fostering balanced regional development and showcasing distinct products from each district at a national and global level.
The award ceremony, inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and attended by key dignitaries, including Piyush Goyal, saw Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma proudly announce Meghalaya's remarkable achievement. Sangma underscored the state's strategic initiatives that contributed to this success, including mission mode programs, the establishment of unique brands, Geographic Indication (GI) tagging, and robust marketing strategies, enabling local products to compete on the global stage.
Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner and Secretary of the Government of Meghalaya, graciously accepted the award on behalf of the state, emphasizing its significance as motivation for farmers and skilled artisans. The recognition not only commends Meghalaya's resilience but also highlights its efforts in building agri-value chains, ensuring quality assurance, and fostering global collaborations.
Meghalaya's proactive support for the ODOP scheme is evident through various measures, including awareness campaigns, improvements in production and sales infrastructure, streamlined registration processes, and the incorporation of new technologies. A notable achievement includes the successful export of Khasi Mandarin to Dubai, showcasing Meghalaya's ability to establish valuable market connections.
This prestigious honour reflects Meghalaya's dedication to innovation, quality, and collaboration. By positioning its unique products for both domestic and international markets, Meghalaya contributes significantly to India's overarching goal of self-reliance. The ODOP award stands as a symbol of Meghalaya's journey towards excellence in promoting indigenous products and fostering economic growth.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his delight at joining Piyush Goyal at Bharat Mandapam for the inauguration of #AtmanirbharBharatUtsav and #ODOP awards. He highlighted the unique expression of India's diversity through ODOP and congratulated all the awardees. The #AtmanirbharBharatUtsav, according to Jaishankar, provides another platform to showcase an India ready for the world, inviting everyone to experience the diversity and richness of Bharat.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed gratitude to @dpiit, @ministryofcommerce for recognizing Meghalaya's efforts. The award received by the state underscores the Government of Meghalaya's commitment to Aatma Nirbhar Bharat by building agri value chains through innovation, quality assurance, and global collaborations, enabling unique products to reach both domestic and international markets.